University Dedicates San Ignacio Hall in Madrid

The recently renovated building adds more than 26,000 square feet of classroom and library space, as well as art and dance studios.

Saint Louis University's international presence continues to grow. This week, the University celebrated the dedication and opening of its newest building, San Ignacio Hall.

Paul Vita, Ph.D., director and academic dean of the Madrid campus, served as master of ceremonies for the event Sept. 10, welcoming hundreds of SLU Madrid students, faculty and staff, as well as representatives from the U.S. and other embassies, universities and Spain's government.

"Today we are celebrating another transformation in the life of the Madrid Campus," Vita said. "San Ignacio Hall will foster collaboration, interaction and the sharing of ideas so critical to academic life. This facility will allow SLU Madrid to flourish in its work to optimize students' learning experiences."

The recently renovated, 26,000-square-foot building nearly doubles the size of the Spanish campus and adds a new library, classroom space, art and dance studios, and a restaurant. For the first time, SLU Madrid is operating out of three buildings that are University owned.

"I am proud to say that SLU Madrid draws students from around the world, and this wonderful new building will enhance our ability to educate these future leaders," said University President Emeritus Lawrence Biondi, S.J. "But more than that, San Ignacio Hall stands as a testament to Saint Louis University's unwavering commitment to global education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition."

Established in the 1960s, SLU Madrid was the first American university to receive recognition from Spain's Ministry of Education and Culture. More than 600 students from than 65 countries attend the university to earn their graduate or undergraduate degrees.

Learn more about SLU Madrid, including available degree programs online at spain.slu.edu.